This document defines the responsibilities, conduct, and operational framework for ski guides working aboard Arctic Cruise in Norway vessels. It serves as a reference for professional conduct, guest interaction, and coordination with the vessel's skipper.
The skipper holds full authority over the vessel and all operations onboard. The ski guide's activities are at all times subordinate to the skipper's decisions regarding safety, routing, and scheduling. Guides must be familiar with and adhere to the principles outlined in the Skipper Authority & Operational Guidelines. Disagreements with the skipper's decisions shall never be expressed in front of guests.
Guides are responsible for preparing detailed plans for each ski excursion prior to departure. Planning shall account for terrain, conditions, group composition, and available time windows. However, all plans are subject to change based on the skipper's decisions regarding weather, vessel positioning, or other operational factors. Guides must always have a viable alternative plan (Plan B) ready for immediate execution.
Guides are expected to develop thorough knowledge of the company's primary sailing areas, including terrain characteristics, typical snow conditions, avalanche exposure, and prevailing weather patterns. Guides shall monitor weather forecasts actively and incorporate this into their risk assessments. Arctic conditions are highly dynamic; this knowledge is a professional requirement, not a recommendation.
Guides represent Arctic Cruise in Norway at all times and shall conduct themselves as members of the company's own staff. This includes upholding the company's standards for safety, communication, and guest experience. Guides shall reflect the values and professionalism that guests associate with Arctic Cruise in Norway, regardless of their formal employment arrangement.
Guides shall never challenge or undermine the skipper's decisions in front of guests. When the skipper makes a decision that alters or cancels planned activities, guides are expected to communicate this to guests in a constructive and supportive manner — reinforcing the reasoning (safety, weather, operational requirements) without expressing personal disagreement or frustration.
Guides may be asked to assist with general daily routines aboard the vessel, such as mooring assistance, gear handling, or guest logistics. Such assistance is welcomed and encouraged. However, guides shall never perform tasks outside their area of competence. Where simple vessel routines are relevant, guides should ask the skipper for a brief introduction before acting independently.
A written or documented risk assessment shall be conducted prior to each ski excursion. This assessment shall consider avalanche risk, terrain exposure, group fitness and experience, weather forecast, visibility, descent options, and emergency evacuation routes. No excursion shall proceed if risks cannot be managed within acceptable safety margins.
Guides shall at all times operate within conservative safety margins. Decisions that expose guests to unnecessary risk — whether due to conditions, terrain selection, or group management — are unacceptable. The welfare of guests takes precedence over summit ambitions, schedule preferences, or external pressure. When in doubt, the guide does not proceed.
Any deviation from planned activities, near-miss events, incidents, or situations requiring a significant change of plans shall be logged. This includes weather-forced alterations, guest injuries, equipment failures, or conflicts affecting the excursion. Logs shall be shared with the skipper and, where relevant, company management.
10. Incident & Deviation Logging
Guides shall carry appropriate emergency equipment at all times, including first aid kit, communication device, avalanche safety equipment, and emergency shelter. Guides shall be familiar with emergency procedures aboard the vessel and know how to communicate distress or medical emergencies to the skipper and relevant authorities. Coordination with the skipper in emergency situations is mandatory.
11. Guest Communication & Expectation Management
Clear and honest communication with guests is a core responsibility. Guides shall brief guests on plans, safety protocols, physical requirements, and potential changes before each excursion. Guests shall understand the dynamic nature of Arctic operations and why flexibility is non-negotiable. A well-informed guest is a safer and more satisfied guest.